Pests of Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) in India

Morinda citrifolia (noni) belonging to the Rubiaceae family, grows best in the tropical climatic conditions. It is a small evergreen shrub with white flowers.  These flowers develop into yellowish white fleshy fruit. Noni has high medicinal value due to which it is consumed as a dietary supplement worldwide yet it is susceptible to various pests.

Noni is well suited for intercropping .In a study it has been well established that Noni grown in forest ecosystem are less prone to insect attack as compared to noni grown in the monoculture farming. Therefore while farm management planning is done, one should take into account the pest management programme too.

About 33 insect species have been identified to cause potential damage to noni plant in India. They result in yield loss and reduced plant growth. However the damage to the crops depends upon the environmental factors as well as the nature of pest that causes the damage.

Some of the insects that attack noni are:

• Leaf folding caterpillars
• Lace wing bugs
• Stem girdlers
• Macroglossum sp
• Blackfly
• Hairy caterpillars
• Grasshoppers

Leaf folding caterpillars                                   

             Macroglossum sp                                

Lacewing bugs

The population of these insects has been found to be higher in the month of May –June and September to November. Mostly pests infesting the noni plant are seasonal but one of the pest Macroglossum sp. occurs throughout the year.

Control of pests 

1. Proper crop inspection and visual assessment

2. Trap catches with pheromones to lure and attract adult 

3. Proper crop Biological control (natural enemies)

4. Increase plant spacing to eliminate hiding places for the caterpillars.

5. Destruction of caterpillars.

6. Use of bio pesticides.